Three-Touch Volleyball 3v3
A 3v3 small-sided volleyball game where every team must use all three contacts before sending the ball over. Students practice the pass-set-attack sequence, talking on the court, and covering their positions.
How to play
- Set up three or four mini courts about 20 × 15 ft per side with a net or rope at 6.5 ft; make teams of 3 with pinnies and use any extra team as referees.
- Explain the roles: first contact is the pass, second is the set, third is the attack or placed ball; all three players must touch it.
- Play 5-minute games with an underhand serve; a rally is worth 1 point if the winning team used all three contacts and 2 points if the third was a spike or placed shot.
- Each time a team wins back the serve, its players rotate one spot clockwise.
- After each game, winners move up a court and losers move down one; play four 5-minute games.
- Finish with 3 minutes: each team counts how many times they completed the full sequence and what words they used to communicate.
Rules
- If a team sends the ball over in one or two contacts, the point goes to the other team.
- Call 'mine' out loud before every contact to prevent collisions.
- Don't touch the net or cross under it into the other court.
Variations
Easier
The setter may catch the ball and toss it back up with a setting motion.
Standard
Three contacts required, double points if the third contact is an attack.
Harder
Only rallies won with a spike score, and serves must come from the end line.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student always plays setter near the net and is allowed one bounce before contact.
- Shyness: give the student the captain role of calling the rotation, with a short prepared script.
- Lower skill level: the teacher balances teams and the lower courts play with a lighter ball.
Learning goals
- Link the pass, set, and attack sequence.
- Communicate with teammates to call for and distribute the ball.
- Rotate positions and cover the court in a balanced way.
Equipment for a class of 25
- volleyball: 4
- net: 4
- cones: 16
- pinnies: 25
Teacher tip
The up-and-down court system sorts teams by level without making a big deal of it; lower courts can use a lighter ball. Drill the 'mine' call before starting, since it prevents almost all collisions.
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